Toronto, ON (Sports Network) - The National Hockey League on Thursday suspended Vancouver Canucks defenseman Shane O'Brien one game without pay.

O'Brien was given the ban for an incident during Tuesday's chippy contest against the New York Rangers at GM Place in Vancouver, where his stick made contact with Rangers pest Sean Avery while both players were sitting on their respective benches.

The 26-year-old will miss Thursday's game at Minnesota but will be eligible to return on Friday at Dallas.